Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins

Alright, dessert lovers—get ready for a little magic. These Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins are where creamy, custardy flan meets fluffy, caramel-drizzled muffin in one glorious bite. Think of them as the sweet lovechild of your favorite bakery muffin and a silky smooth flan, wrapped up in golden caramel and baked to dreamy perfection. Trust me, if you’re into rich, melt-in-your-mouth desserts with a wow factor, this one’s a game-changer.

They’re soft, moist, and just the right amount of sweet, with that signature flan texture that makes you pause and savor. And let’s not forget the caramel—warm, glossy, and indulgently drippy. Whether you’re making them for brunch, dessert, or a “just because I deserve it” moment, these muffins bring bakery vibes straight to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins

Custard Meets Muffin: The best of both worlds—fluffy and creamy in one bite.

Showstopper Appeal: These look fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to pull off.

Caramel Goodness: Each muffin is draped in luscious golden caramel that tastes like pure joy.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill them in advance and wow your guests later.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Brunch, birthdays, tea time, or solo treat-yourself nights.

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Ingredients in Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins

Here’s the sweet symphony that makes these muffins unforgettable:

Granulated Sugar: Caramelized to a golden amber syrup that coats each muffin.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and a hint of milky sweetness.

Evaporated Milk: Keeps the custard velvety and light.

Eggs: The magic behind that smooth, flan-like texture.

Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.

Flour: A touch of flour gives the muffin base its structure.

Baking Powder: Helps the muffin part rise beautifully.

Butter: Melted into the batter for added richness.

Optional Add-Ins: A pinch of cinnamon or citrus zest for a flavorful twist.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s bring this caramel dream to life:

Make the Caramel

Melt sugar in a saucepan until golden and liquid. Carefully pour into muffin molds to coat the bottom.

Blend the Flan Base

In a blender, combine eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Prepare the Muffin Batter

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, butter, and a touch of sugar. Combine until you have a smooth, thick batter.

Layer in the Molds

Pour flan mixture over the caramel in each muffin cup, then gently spoon muffin batter on top.

Bake in a Water Bath

Place muffin tray in a larger baking dish filled with hot water. Bake until the tops are golden and the flan is set.

Cool and Unmold

Let them chill completely (this is key!), then flip to reveal the golden caramel waterfall. It’s a showstopper moment.

Serve and Savor

Each bite is creamy, custardy, sweet, and utterly addictive.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of muffins]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per muffin]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Baking time]
Total Time: [Total time including cooling]

How to Serve Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins

  • Chilled with Coffee: Perfectly creamy and cool, paired with a strong espresso or cafecito.
  • Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop adds even more indulgence.
  • With Fresh Fruit: Try berries or mango for a fresh, fruity contrast.
  • As Dessert or Brunch: These muffins shine at both the breakfast table and after dinner.
  • Party-Ready: Serve on a platter with extra caramel sauce on the side for serious “oohs” and “ahhs.”

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Skip the Water Bath: It’s essential for that smooth flan texture.
  • Chill Before Flipping: Let them cool completely to set—patience pays off!
  • Make Ahead: These are even better the next day.
  • Flavor Boosters: Add a dash of rum extract or citrus zest for extra flair.
  • Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—if they last that long!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use cupcake liners?
A1: Nope! The caramel needs direct contact with the pan to coat properly. Grease well or use non-stick metal pans.

Q2: Can I skip the water bath?
A2: It’s not recommended—your flan may curdle or crack without it.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for great results.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Totally. Just use two muffin pans and rotate them halfway through baking.

Q5: What if my caramel hardens too quickly?
A5: No worries—it’ll re-melt during baking!

Q6: Can I make a large cake instead of muffins?
A6: Absolutely! Use a bundt or loaf pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Q7: Why did my flan separate from the muffin?
A7: It can happen—chilling and careful unmolding usually helps it set together beautifully.

Q8: Can I use caramel sauce instead of homemade?
A8: Store-bought works in a pinch, but homemade gives better flavor and texture.

Q9: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A9: A toothpick should come out mostly clean, and the tops should be lightly golden.

Q10: What’s the best way to unmold them?
A10: Run a knife around the edges, flip carefully, and let gravity + caramel do their thing.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins, your new favorite dessert hybrid that brings major wow-factor with minimal effort. Rich, smooth, and topped with caramel that dreams are made of, these muffins are the kind of treat you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for special occasions… or Tuesdays. Go ahead, indulge—you deserve it.

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Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 810 flan muffins 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins are rich, creamy custard desserts baked in muffin tins with a layer of deep golden caramel. A portable, elegant spin on the classic Latin flan.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lightly greasing 8–10 cups.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it turns a golden caramel color. Do not stir; swirl the pan occasionally.
  3. Quickly pour the caramel into each prepared muffin cup, tilting to coat the bottoms evenly.
  4. In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth.
  5. Carefully pour the custard mixture over the set caramel in each muffin cup, filling about 3/4 full.
  6. Place the muffin tin in a larger baking dish. Fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the muffin tin (water bath).
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the centers are just set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  8. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
  9. To unmold, run a thin knife around each muffin and invert onto a plate to release the flan with its caramel topping.

Notes

  • Use silicone muffin molds for easier release.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or citrus zest for flavor variation.
  • Store flan muffins in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 flan muffin
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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